Sunderland will step up their pursuit of a new manager today when Sam Allardyce is confirmed as the new England coach, with David Moyes understood to be at the head of the running.

The Football Association have a full board meeting scheduled for 10am on Thursday.

It will open with chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill - with technical director Dan Ashworth, two of the three-man panel charged with selecting a successor to Roy Hodgson - explaining to their 10 fellow councillors why Allardyce is their man.

They also interviewed Steve Bruce, and are thought to have sounded out Eddie Howe, Jurgen Klinsmann and Glenn Hoddle.

Reports claim Arsene Wenger turned down the role.

A formal announcement of Allardyce’s coronation may be delayed as, following a break, the meeting reconvenes to discuss the appointment of a new chairman, with Greg Dyke due to step down.

But that will not stop Sunderland from their double-pursuit of compensation for Allardyce’s services, and his replacement.

The Black Cats stressed in the wake of Wednesday night’s 3-0 pre-season friendly win at Hartlepool United that the 61-year-old remains their manager.

However, sources suggest the club was informed of the FA’s intention to offer Allardyce the job on Wednesday afternoon.

The former Newcastle United boss then told his players about his imminent departure at half-time during the warm-up game at Victoria Park.

He had overseen the first half from the dugout, but left the ground halfway through the second 45.

Now Sunderland must turn their attention to the search for a new manager, with Moyes understood to be owner Ellis Short’s first choice.

Sources claim the Scot has been contacted regarding the job, and the Wearsiders will hope to finalise an appointment as soon as possible.